Perception and Attitude towards Electronic Cigarettes among Rural Thai Young Adults
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22288082
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85203983017
Journal Title
Siriraj Medical Journal
Volume
76
Issue
9
Start Page
604
End Page
610
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.76 No.9 (2024) , 604-610
Suggested Citation
Songsin N., Wannapaschaiyong P., Loylib P., Dampueak W., Kingkaew W.M., Siladlao S., Somporn K. Perception and Attitude towards Electronic Cigarettes among Rural Thai Young Adults. Siriraj Medical Journal Vol.76 No.9 (2024) , 604-610. 610. doi:10.33192/smj.v76i9.269105 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101299
Title
Perception and Attitude towards Electronic Cigarettes among Rural Thai Young Adults
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objective: This study examined perceptions and attitudes toward electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among young adults aged 15-20 years in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand, and their relationship. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2023. The study included 328 young adults aged 15-20 selected from an educational institution in Samut Songkhram Province using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The participants had a good level of knowledge about e-cigarettes. They exhibited a positive attitude towards electronic cigarettes regarding health aspects (M=3.05, SD=0.97) and a positive attitude towards the legal dimensions of e-cigarettes (M=3.12, SD=0.80). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the perception of e-cigarettes and health-related attitudes toward them (r=0.013, p=0.820). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the perception of e-cigarettes and legally oriented attitudes (r=0.192, p<0.001). Furthermore, a borderline positive correlation emerged between the perception of electronic cigarettes and the general attitudes toward them (r=0.102, p=0.065). Conclusion: Young adults in rural Thailand have a good knowledge of e-cigarettes. However, they exhibit positive attitudes towards the health aspects and legal dimensions of e-cigarettes. Moreover, no significant relationship exists between perceptions and health-related attitudes. These insights emphasize the need for targeted strategies to address misperceptions and raise awareness about the health risks of e-cigarette use among rural youth.